Participatory Contact Farmer Selection: Survey of two Extension Circles in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

In the linear model of technology transfer the contact farmer (CF) is the primary link to farmers. This presupposes that the CF is selected based on a set of socio-economic categories. Recent criticisms of the performance of CFs are hinged on flaws in the selection process and advocate a participatory approach. This paper tested individual and group socio-metric nomination of potential contact farmers and compared the nominations with the CFs working in two extension circles. It was shown that only three (3) CFs out of eight (8) in the study appeared on both the individual and group nominations. It was recommended that EAs should have a rethink and rely more on the people both individually and in groups in nominating CFs because only farmers themselves know whom they interact and consult most frequently.


[IJARD Vol.3 2002: 64-69]